Delightful A/V Receiver
Written: Dec 09 '01 (Updated Dec 09 '01)
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Pros: Clean lines, ample power, quality construction, multi-device learning remote
Cons: Remote could be smaller.
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a reasonably powerful A/V receiver that is value for money with clean lines, and yet still has plenty of features. I'm happy.
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| chin_sing's Full Review: Denon AVR-3802 7.1 Channels Receiver |
I read many of the reviews before buying this unit and the difficulty of setup was one (and possible the only) apprehension I had. So of course I shared this with the technician at the store, who with a chuckle very obligingly showed me just how simple, and how flexible, setting up this unit really is. First of all, this is an A/V receiver, therefore the key is to hook it up to your TV-monitor. (In my case a large screen Toshiba, but that's another review.) After that the rest is cake.
My setup is a 5.1, mostly for listening to CD's and the occassional DVD movie. Using the on-screen(/my monitor) display, I was able to adjust just about any setting from the comfort of my chair 15+ feet away. Don't try that without an on-screen display unless you've got 20-10 eagle eye vision.
All 5.1 channels (7 if you have extra surround rear, as opposed to just surround) speakers, were separately adjustable for both volume and delay. Every mode, Dolby-II, Neo:6, 5-Channel Stereo, etc.(lots more) could be customized with my preferences. For example, I use 5-channel stereo, with my surround bookshelf speakers, set slightly higher in volume but with less delay, when I want music to fill the room from all 5 speakers equally, so that guests mulling about the room can all enjoy. I might choose the NEO:6 setting when the wife and I are lounging on the sofa listening to a favorite CD, and I want that full stage effect, with the surrounds adjusted softer and with a slight delay effect to give me a live performance feel. The permutations are endless.
Other strengths of this receiver that I am looking forward to try out are the ability to drive a remote pair of speakers.
Despite what I have read on other reviews, my tech-phobic wife has no difficulty figuring out which button/dial to use to change stations, switch input sources, etc. Likewise for my 11-year old daughter, who all but figured it out by herself without my help, so I'm not sure what these other users are looking for.
One simply presses a button, say "Source" then turns the dial to select source. Likewise for changing stations, simple, select "Tuning Preset", then turn the dial to up/down to the next station. I much prefer this combination of button/dial to a facade crammed full of buttons. The days of the geeky-panel-full-of-button look are over; long live clean, and simple.
As for the remote, it drives my TV, VCR, DVD player and Cable TV box without any problems. Most 90% used features are available, those that aren't can be programmed using the learn feature of the remote. There are even multiple-buttons, which let me program multiple devices to come on at the press of a single button. My only gripe would be that it be smaller, (the LCD version that comes with the Denon 5800 would be nice).
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 900
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Epinions.com ID:
chin_sing
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Reviews written: 3
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